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Every day of your life you are selling yourself, nothing happens until you're successful at doing that.
We're all in the selling business whether we like it or not. It doesn't matter whether you're a lawyer or an accountant, a manager or a politician, an engineer or a doctor.
We all spend a great deal of our time trying to persuade people to buy our product or service, accept our proposals or merely accept what we say.
Before you get better at persuading or influencing other people - you need to get better at self-motivation and selling yourself.
Here are 10 simple steps to self-motivation:
#1 - You must believe in the product
Selling yourself is pretty much like selling anything. Firstly, you need to believe in what you're selling. That means believing in "you." It's about lots of positive self-talk and the right attitude.
The first thing people notice about you is your attitude. If you're like most people then you'll suffer from lack of confidence from time to time.
It really all comes down to how you talk to yourself. The majority of people are more likely to talk to themselves negatively than positively - this is what holds them back in life.
It isn't just about a positive attitude; it's about the right attitude - the quality of your thinking.
Successful people have a constructive and optimistic way of looking at themselves and their work. They have an attitude ofcalm, confident, positive self-expectation. They feel good about themselves and believe that everything they do will lead to their inevitable success.
If you're in a sales job or a business owner or a manager then you need to continually work on your attitude. You need to listen to that little voice inside your head. Is it saying you're on top, going for it and confident, or is it holding you back.
If you're hearing - "I can't do this or that" or "They won't want to buy at the moment" or "We're too expensive" then you'd better change your self-talk or change your job.
Start to believe in yourself and don't let things that are out with your control effect your attitude.
Avoid criticising, condemning and complaining and start spreading a little happiness.
Remember the saying of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company - "If you believe you can do a thing, or if you believe you can't, in either case you're probably right."
#2 - The packaging must grab attention
Like any other product we buy, the way the product is packaged and presented will influence the customer's decision to buy.
Everything about you needs to look good and you must dress appropriately for the occasion. And don't think that just because your customer dresses casually, that they expect you to dress the same way.
The style and colour of the clothes you wear, your spectacles, shoes, briefcase, watch, the pen you use, all make a statement about you.
#3 - Smile
No need to get carried away, you don't need a big cheesy grin, just a pleasant open face that doesn't frighten people away.
#4 - Use names
Use the customers name as soon as you can but don't over do it. Business is less formal nowadays however be careful of using first names initially. Make sure your customer knows yours and remembers it. You can do the old repeat trick -"My name is Bond, James Bond" or "My name is James, James Bond"
#5 - Watch the other person
What does their body language tell you? Are they comfortable with you or are they a bit nervous? Are they listening to you or are their eyes darting around the room. If they're not comfortable and not listening then there's no point telling them something important about your business.
Far better to make some small talk and more importantly -get then to talk about themselves.
It's best to go on the assumption that in the first few minutes of meeting someone new, they won't take in much of what you say. They're too busy analysing all the visual data they're taking in.
#6 - Listen and look like you're listening.
Many people, particularly men, listen but don't show that they're listening. The other person can only go on what they see, not what's going on inside your head. If they see a blank expression then they'll assume you're "out to lunch."
The trick is to do all the active listening things such as nodding your head, the occasional "UH-HUH" and the occasional question.
#7 - Be interested.
If you want to be INTERESTING then be INTERESTED. This really is the most important thing you can do to be successful at selling yourself.
The majority of people are very concerned about their self-image. If they sense that you value them, that you feel that they're important and worth listening to, then you effectively raise their self-image. If you can help people to like themselves then they'll LOVE you.
Don't fall into the trap of flattering the other person, because most people will see right through you and they won't fall for it. Just show some genuine interest in the customer and their business and they'll be much more receptive to what you say.
#8 - Talk positively.
Don't say - "Isn't it a horrible day" or "Business is pretty tough at present" or any thing else that pulls the conversation down. Say things like (and only the truth) - "I like the design of this office" or "I've heard some good reports about your new product."
#9 - Mirror the other person
This doesn't mean mimicking the other person, it just means you speaking and behaving in a manner that is similar to the customer.
For example, if your customer speaks slowly or quietly, then you speak slowly or quietly. Remember people like people who are like themselves.
#10 - Warm and friendly
If you look or sound stressed or aggressive then don't be surprised if the other person gets defensive and less than willing to co-operate.
If you look and sound warm and friendly, then you're more likely to get a positive response.
This isn't about being all nicey-nicey. It's about a pleasant open face or a warm tone over the telephone.
Before we can get down to the process of selling our product, our service or our ideas then we need to be as sure as we can be - that the customer has bought us and that we have their full attention.
READMORE - Motivation : 10 Simple Steps to Self-Motivation and More Sales
Cancer remains a number-one killer in countries around the world. Therefore, it should come as little surprise that medical researchers are exploring new avenues in an effort to find ways to attack cancer.
The investigation into alternative cancer therapies often begins by examining the cultures of specific nations in an effort to determine whether diet or other customs could help unlock the secret to curing this dreaded disease. Since green tea has been a staple of the Japanese diet for centuries, it's not surprising that new attention is being paid to the tea's therapeutic benefits.
In recent years, doctors and scientific researchers have been focusing new attention on the idea of drinking green tea in an effort to keep cancer at bay. It's been thought that the beverage possesses certain natural properties which make it a likely cancer preventative.
Studying Green Tea In-Depth
In order to look at this issue in more depth, researchers Kazue Imai, Kenji Suga, and Kei Nakachi of the Saitama Cancer Center Research Institute in Saitama, Japan, decided to examine the effects of green tea drinking among the Japanese. In an article entitled "Cancer-Preventive Effects of Drinking Green Tea Among a Japanese Population" in Preventative Medicine magazine, the research team explored the therapeutic benefits of green tea at length.
When the researchers began their investigation, there had been a number of studies indicating that the main ingredient of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, was anti-carcinogenic. However, there was little evidence to suggest that EGCG couldprevent cancer in human beings. While some human studies had been conducted, the results were far from conclusive.
The Japanese research team strongly believed that it was absolutely critical to conduct an in-depth study in an Asian nation, given the popularity of tea consumption in the Orient. Ultimately, the Japanese scientists found that those Japanese subjects who drank green tea were less likely to develop cancer. This was particularly true among women who consumed more than ten cups of green tea each day.
A Natural Cancer Prevention Tool
The rate of cancer was low among both men and women who consumed large amounts of green tea. In addition, a study of 384 cancer patients indicated that increased consumption of green tea was linked with a delay in the onset of cancer. Again, this phenomenon was most prevalent among women who consumed more than ten cups of green tea each day. The average delay for the onset of cancer was four years-four years of enhanced quality of lifefor the subjects involved.
To a Western mind, drinking ten cups of green tea daily can seem mind-boggling-especially if one has difficulty consuming eight glasses of water each day. It should be noted that, on average, the subjects were probably consuming 150 ml of green tea per cup. That would amount to about 300 to 400 milligrams of EGCG-a healthy amount, by any standard.
More Powerful Than Once Thought
It has become clear that green tea is far more powerful in fighting cancer than researchers once thought. For instance, scientists recently discovered that green tea's unique chemical makeup enables it to combat one of the key cancer-causing molecules linked to tobacco use. The ground-breaking evidence appeared in a journal published by the American Chemical Society.
In the study, researchers examined the effects of two components of green tea, EGCG and epigallocatechin, also known as EGC. These substances are close to the consistency of cancer-preventing substances in red wine, grapes, broccoli, and cabbage. The research team discovered that EGCG and EGC can inhibit a molecule that often "turns on" genes that can be harmful to the body, leading to the development of cancer.
However, it's unclear whether the results in the science lab could be replicated in a person's home, since the effectiveness of drinking green tea depends on how the beverage is used by the human body. In addition, there appear to be differences between varieties of green tea, so additional study is necessary to prove the beverage's effectiveness in inhibiting potentially harmful molecular processes.
The Need for More Research
Based upon the evidence presented in the study conducted by Imai, Suga, and Nakachi, there can be little doubt that their research indicates that consuming green tea can lead to the prevention of cancer. However, additional research is definitely needed in order to determine which organs of the body could best benefit from green tea.
In other words, will drinking green tea fight stomach cancer? Breast cancer? Colon cancer? At this point, the answers to these questions remain unclear. Yet, it should be noted that laboratory tests show that green tea's EGCG can zero in on organs in an effort to prevent cancer.
The initial research into cancer prevention using green tea is incredibly encouraging. To begin with, green tea is an ordinary part of many people's diets, so drinking the beverage does not necessarily mean a radical lifestyle change. If people are already accustomed to consuming green tea, it stands to reason that they wouldn't mind consuming more of it, if it would mean preventing the occurrence of cancer.
A Virtually Problem-Free Solution
Some approaches to preventing cancer may seem initially appealing, but can become decidedly less so because of the side effects involved. However, there are no toxic effects linked to green tea consumption, meaning that this cancer-fighting remedy is especially promising.
In addition, green tea appears to be a powerful cancer prevention tool. If the beverage's therapeutic effects were limited, there wouldn't be a great deal of interest in using it as a cancer preventative. However, the strong link between green tea consumption and cancer prevention indicated by the Japanese study means that there is good reason for people to consider adding green tea to their diets.
Effects Beyond the Orient
Some might conclude that green tea drinking only prevents cancer among Asian populations, but researchers in the field believe that would be a mistake. It's entirely possible that, if Westerners also made green tea a significant part of their daily diet, they would also see the preventative effects.
With so many supermarkets and convenience stores in the West now stocking green tea, it may be just a matter of time before Westerners will also experience the beverage's medicinal benefits.
READMORE - Green Tea: The Japanese Secret To Good Health
Learning to play guitar can be rewarding in many different ways. Learning this skill will give you a sense of accomplishment. You can play at different events and occasions, it can even help you make some money when you become experienced.
New guitarists should know that there is no easy way in learninghow to play. You have to practice regularly, and it takes patience. It does not come easily, but you shouldn't get frustrated, this new skill will develop over time.
First comes first. Buying a guitar can be confusing and overwhelming. You should go to a music shop and pick them up and hold them try to choose one that feels comfortable and if you still can't decide talk to the shop assistant and see if they have any tips and tricks for picking the right guitar. Don't be fooled by the price tag most of the cheap guitars are fine to begin with. When you first learn to play music on guitar you will not need a fancy guitar as most of the features will go unused and will only get in the way. However as you improve you may want to upgrade in small stages to suit your level of experience.
There is a wide range of classes to learn to play music on guitar. Some classes are free or require a small donation. However most have a fee attached to cover the costs of teachers and equipment. When you participate in a free class, these are generally just as good as a paid class. All classes will help you with basics when you learn to play music on guitar. The best thingabout classes is the hands on approach to learning; there is nothing better than having someone give you first hand knowledge on how to do something.
The more you practice the better you will get. There is not such thing as too much practice, but you should spread the practices out so you don't get too burned out to the point where playing isn't fun anymore. The whole point in learning to play is that it is something fun to do, if you don't find it enjoyable, you should not push yourself to do something that you don't like. Don't forget to share your new talent with other people, family, and friends. Music is to be enjoyed by all.
READMORE - Learn How to Play the Guitar
Most of the people I have met have not planned for their retirement as they say 'future is unpredictable and we need to live in present' but my dear friend's future is the outcome of present, our present will decide our future. When we think of retirement we generally think of old age, a period when you have to give up the job and sit at home doing nothing. Contrary to the fact, most of the retiree lives a very active life. We need to seriously consider out planning towards retirement because once we retiree our income stops coming but our expenses remain as it is and in some cases it rises with the rising inflation.
In this regard mutual fund has turned out to be the right answer for making retirement planning easier and safer. Mutual fund being managed by professionals is a key to effective retirement planning.
Some people like it. Some people don't but the fact is that retirement is a reality for every working person. Most young people today think cannot think of retirement as reality as they believe in 'living at present'. However, it is important to plan for your post-retirement life if you wish to retain your financial independence and maintain a comfortable standard of living even when you are no longer earning. This is extremely important, because, unlike developed nations, India does not have a social security net. In India people still depend upon bank savings and fixed deposits for retirement purpose, which is unfortunately inadequate.
Retirement Planning acquires added importance because of the fact that though longevity has increased the number of working years haven't, so you end up spending the last phase of your life without earning.
In simple words, retirement planning means making sure you will have enough money to live on after retiring from work. Retirement should be the best period of your life, when you can literally sit back and relax or enjoy your life by reaping benefits of what you earn in so many years of hard work. But it is easier said than done. To achieve a hassle-free retired life, you need to make prudent investment decisions during your working life, thus putting your hard-earned money to work for you in future.
With the special features of mutual funds like Systematic Investment Plan, Systematic withdrawal plan, systematic transfer plan in addition to other unique features of different funds, the investor can easily plan for its post retirement requirements and ways to achieve it.
Unlike many other countries of west, in India we do not have state-sponsored social security for the retired people. While you may be entitled to a pension or income during retirement, but will it be sufficient post retirement.
Although the compulsory savings in provident fund through both employee and employer contributions should offer some cushion, it may not be enough to support you throughout your retirement. That is why retirement planning is extremely important for every one. More over with mutual funds the investors can actually plan for themselves and also achieve their planned objectives. As compared to direct equities this option of mutual fund is much safer for planning your retirement corpus.
There are many reasons for the working individuals to secure their future emergence of separate families and its attendant insecurity, increasing uncertainties in personal and professional life, the growing trends of seeking early retirement and rising health risks are among few important risks. Besides falling interest rates, also the sustained increase in the cost of living make it a compelling case for individuals to plan their finances to fund their retired life.
Planning for retirement is as important as planning your career and marriage. We need to take conscious and careful decisions to prepare for our retirement. Life takes its own course and from the poorest to the wealthiest, every one gets older with time. We get older every day, without realizing. With our coming old age we tend to become more understanding to the facts of life and realize the importance and impact of retirement. The future depends to a great extent on the choices you make today. Right decisions with the help of proper planning, taken at the right time will assure smile and success at the time of retirement.
In my words, retirement planning means making sure you will have enough money to live on after leaving your work. Retirement should be that period of your life, when you can sit back and relax. Retirement should bring more of enjoyment in your life by reaping benefits of what you earn in so many years of hard work. But it is easier said than done. Most of the people live their worst life during retirement. To achieve a hassle-free retired life, you need to make right investment decisions during your working life, thus putting your hard-earned money to work for you in future. If you are not very aware of the investment that you need to undertake then you can easily take help of online advisers to help you with your retirement plan through mutual funds. The earlier you start the better it is for you.
Now retirement planning can be done with a single click and with the advice of a registered mutual fund advisor by Association of mutual funds in India (AMFI). Fill this retirement questionnaire to know your current financial situation and your investor profile which will help you plan for a worry-free retirement.
This is a no obligation free mutual fund advisory; investors can make informed mutual fund investment decisions with the expertise of our advisors.
READMORE - Retirement planning: Plan your retirement for income through mutual fund investment.
Although it usually occurs in women over 35 years of age, breast cancer knows no age, race, social, or lifestyle barriers. It can strike any woman at any time, regardless whether or not she has ever smoked, taken an alcoholic beverage, or ever taken birth control.
Although certain factors can increase a woman's risk of getting breast cancer, every woman is at risk. Even women who have never experienced a day of illness in their entire lives can fall victim.
Breast Cancer – No Longer a Taboo Subject
Breast cancer is no longer a taboo topic of conversation. As breast cancer awareness increases so do a woman's ability to take responsibility by taking preventive measures. Routine self-examinations and mammography screenings go a long way in detecting breast cancer while still in the early stages. Early detection greatly minimizes the seriousness of cancer if it is detected, and increases a woman's chance for survival.
Yet, many women remain reluctant to take the initiative and schedule for a mammography screening. One reason is due of the fear of the unknown. Women who have never had one don't know what to expect.
This article was written with these women in mind. It outlines what to expect during a mammogram, and tells how to prepare for one. Many women who have been reluctant to schedule for a mammography screening will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the procedure itself is not nearly as intimidating as imagined.
The Mammography Screening
Let's begin with how to prepare for a mammogram. When scheduling for a mammogram, opt for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender. This is usually the week following menstruation. Breasts are most apt to be sensitive just before and during your menstrual cycle.
Once you have secured an appointment, you will be instructed to avoid the use of deodorants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or around your breasts on the day of your mammogram. This is because metallic particles contained in powders, deodorants, and perfumes could be visible on the mammogram, making results confusing.
The Day of the Mammography
The day of your test you might want to avoid wearing jewelry, since you will be asked to remove jewelry for the test. You might also want to wear a two-piece outfit, since you will have to remove everything from the waist up.
Aspirin or another over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or ibuprofen can be taken about an hour before the mammogram to help ease any discomfort experienced during testing.
Once you arrive for your test, you will be given an examination gown. You will be asked to remove jewelry, if you are wearing any and all clothing from the waist up.
What Happens During the Mammography Screening?
During the procedure you will stand in front of an X-ray machine, specifically designed for mammography purposes. A technician will place one of your breasts on a platform that holds the X-ray film. The platform will be adjusted to your height; the technician will adjust your posture and position your body for an unobstructed view of your breast.
It is necessary that your breast be carefully pressed against the platform by use of a clear plastic plate used to spread out breast tissue. This is essential so that the X-rays can penetrate the tissue. You may find this uncomfortable, or even a little painful. If discomfort is too great, tell the technician.
During X-ray exposure, you will be asked to stand still and hold your breath. Try to relax. Exposure time will be brief. The same process will be repeated for your other breast.
After the Mammogram
After both breasts have been X-rayed, you may be asked to wait until the technician checks the quality of the images. If the views are not adequate, you may have to be x-rayed. If the images are clear, you will be able to dress, and go about your day.
The entire procedure usually takes less than a half hour. A radiologist will study the x-rays. He will be looking for evidence of cancerous or non-cancerous conditions. After he examines the images, the radiologist will send your doctor a written report with the results of the tests.
Possible findings include things such as calcium deposits, most of which are benign, and masses of lumps. He will also look for distorted tissues, and areas of denseness that appear in only one breast. If the radiologist notes any areas of concern in his report, further tests will be recommended, just to be on the safe side. Roughly 5 to 15 percent of mammogram testing is followed by further testing.
Important Reminders
While mammography is a very good way to help determine whether or not cancer is present, it isn't fool proof. Very small cancers or cancers located in a difficult to see area might not show up on the mammogram.
A mammography also is not without potential risks. During the mammogram screening you will be briefly exposed to low-dose radiation. Even so, the benefits of mammography far outweigh possible risks, especially for women over age 40.
Having a mammogram might not be top on your list of things you enjoy doing, but it nevertheless increases a woman's chance at longevity. Mammogram screening is an effective tool that could prove life saving. That is because early detection remains a woman's best defense in the fight against her number one enemy; breast cancer.
Every year the third Friday in October is National Mammography Day. For more information about breast cancer, visit the quick content pages at Writers Write Now web site.
©2006 Lori S. Anton
Writers Write Now
READMORE - How to Prepare for a Mammography and What to Expect
